12 volt converson

1945farmalla · Nov 26, 2008

Im wondering do they make a 12volt converson for the farmall a. Also would i be better just leaving it 6 volt?

Hugh MacKay · Nov 26, 2008

I don't know, I used to think I knew, but not so sure anymore. I have a Super A, 6 volt alternator, been trouble free since 1992. I have a Farmall 130, 12 volt alternator conversion also done in 1992, now on 4th battery, 2nd alternator and I just came home today with a $217. rebuilt starter. Apparently the starter spun so fast, the centrifical force dislodged windings on the armature. You know the rest of the story.

Yes I agree with the alternator idea, but am having second thoughts about 12 volt. These little engines spin too easy. Great for big tractors. That little Super A I have is just a honey, 6 volt alternator keeps the battery well charged all the time and 00 guage cables transfer that 6 volt power well. In cold weather it will always start faster than 130 on 12 volt. The Super A is on it's 2nd 6 volt battery since 1992, first one lasted 13 years.

Just my experience. I also have a 12 volt alternator conversion on my 140, about 5 years on that now, with no trouble.

Anonymous-0 · Nov 26, 2008

The 6 volt system sytem will work just fine if properly maintained and correct oil weight for the season. In my opinion, the charging system is the source of most problems today. Starting a tractor, driving it across the yard and shutting it off won't give enough charging time to recharge the battery. Additionally, the mechanical contacts in the regulator or cut-out realays can be a problem. When these tractors were built they were expected to run all day in the field which gave plenty time to recharge the battery.
Generators provide a rather low rate of charge. Where as, alternators provide a high rate of charge after initial startup. Alternators with internal regulation are a good answer for a yard tractor with frequent starts and short run times.
If you want to keep with a 6 volts system, 6 volt alternators are available.
When I have frequent startups and short run times, I hookup an automatic charger when I put them in the shed for the night.

K-Mo

GA Dave · Nov 26, 2008

If you decide to go 12 volts here's a way to save a bunch. David...........http://www.ytmag.com/articles/artint131.htm

LMack · Nov 26, 2008

I have a Super C with a 12 volt conversion that I hate. I don't like the way the alternator fits on my Super C and for some reason it eats batteries. I plan to convert it back to a 6 volt with a generator some day. Properly tuned these engines start right up even in cold weather. I grew up on A's, Super A's, C's, Super C's, 200's, and 240's. We had to keep the old Farmalls to crank the big diesels on cold days (we quit doing that when we learned that we could break a crank shaft). If the battery got weak and it was parked too far away to charge we would use the hand crank or pull it off with another unit.

mkirsch · Nov 27, 2008

A kit? No.

Quite frankly, though, a conversion is not that big of a deal.

Here's why you'd do a 12V conversion:

1. Tractor has no electrical system at all.
2. Existing generator is shot and needs to be replaced.

Do NOT convert because of a slow starter. That is either a starter problem or a battery cable problem. It has nothing to do with the generator.

If your generator is charging properly, then you do not need to convert to 12V.

12 volt converson

1945farmalla

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Hugh MacKay

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Anonymous-0

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GA Dave

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LMack

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mkirsch

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